Roraima Airways slashes fare by 7% for hinterland locations with upgraded airstrips

Local airline operator, Roraima Airways has announced a seven per cent reduction in airfares to all hinterland locations where the airstrips have been rehabilitated.

Roraima has become the second domestic airline to heed calls by President Dr Irfaan Ali to support hinterland communities by reducing the cost of air travel, alongside Government-led investments to modernise and rehabilitate hinterland airstrips.

In a statement on Friday, Roraima says that this reduction, which takes immediate effect, makes it the first airline in Guyana to operationalise cost reductions across every upgraded runway, rather than limiting relief to selected destinations.

The local airline recognised that the Guyana Government has undertaken a major aviation infrastructure programme over recent years, including the rehabilitation and modernisation of airstrips across Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

With an additional 11 airstrips scheduled for completion in the near future, Roraima noted that these upgrades, together with the introduction of runway lighting systems and automated weather reporting, represent the most significant single advancement in aviation safety ever undertaken in Guyana.

As an airline that has served Guyana for over 30 years, including the execution of thousands of medical evacuation missions by day and night, Roraima Airways said it has long advocated for safer, more resilient aviation infrastructure.

“When public investment improves safety and reliability, it is our responsibility to translate those gains into real benefits for the people” said Director of Aviation at Roraima, Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr. “We heard the President’s call clearly. The Government has made a serious investment in safety and infrastructure and we believe the private sector has a responsibility to respond with equally serious action. The improved condition of these airstrips allows us to reduce operational costs and we are passing those savings directly to the people who depend on air transport,” he added.

Following several weeks of detailed operational and cost analysis, Roraima Airways confirmed that the improved runway conditions materially reduce aircraft wear, maintenance exposure and operational risk. These efficiencies have enabled the airline to immediately implement a seven per cent fare reduction to all rehabilitated airstrips, without exception.

Moreover, Roraima Airways confirmed that this same reduction will be automatically applied to every newly rehabilitated or newly constructed hinterland airstrip as they come online, ensuring a consistent, transparent and nationwide pricing approach. “Our view is simple: if infrastructure improves, all communities should benefit,” Gouveia Jr added.

Back in November 2025, President had disclosed that the local aviation sector is financially capable of lowering domestic air transport fares to hinterland locations by as much as 15 per cent. According to Gouveia Jr, Roraima Airways acknowledged that ambition and reaffirmed its commitment to continue working toward further reductions as infrastructure, efficiencies and operational conditions continue to improve. “This 7 per cent reduction is our concrete sustainable first step,” Capt. Gouveia said. “We are committed to continuing this journey responsibly, transparently and in partnership with the Government, so that safer runways ultimately translate into more affordable access for hinterland communities.”